Summer Session is open only to currently enrolled Brown undergraduates. 

Brown University undergraduates with questions related to summer credits and degree completion, seeking a return to studies during Summer Session and/or would like additional information about Summer Session academic credits, please refer to Academic Standing site, which includes a link to the Handbook of the Committee on Academic Standing at the bottom of the page. The Handbook will provide additional details and information. Students should reach out to their academic advisor with any questions or concerns.

Brown graduate students who wish to enroll in an undergraduate language course to fulfill competency requirements must contact the Registrar's Office at registrar@brown.edu to register. 

Summer Session courses are equivalent to semester-long offerings, compressed into a fast-paced seven week-long summer schedule. Courses are offered both on-campus and online. Course meeting times range depending on the learning objectives, there may be an additional laboratory or discussion sessions for courses. Summer Session class size is small, which allows for a high level of interaction and engagement with the instructor and peers throughout the seven-weeks.

Brown Faculty-led Global Summer Programs provide the opportunity for students to enroll in unique summer session courses with a global focus. 

Click here to learn more about course offerings.

Why Take a Summer Session Course?

• Learn in a highly focused environment that allows for immersion in a specific topic.
• Spread out coursework throughout the year or earn the additional credit.
• Have more time and flexibility for an internship or research during the academic year.

​Enrollment and Credit

Summer Session courses may count towards a concentration or elective. Students will earn one unit of academic credit, equivalent to four semester hours.

Registration

Students may view and register for courses using the Courses@Brown site. PINs are not necessary for registration.

Note: Courses may be canceled if they do not meet the minimum number of students required. Active courses will be confirmed in early June after the initial registration period.

Grading

Unless otherwise indicated in the course description, Summer Session courses default to the ABC/NC grading scale. Students may change their grade option before Monday, June 21, 2027. Grade options cannot be changed after this date.

Adding or Dropping a Summer Session Course

The last day to add a course is Wednesday, June 16, 2027. All students must be registered for courses by this date. In order to receive a tuition leave refund by dropping a course, please consult the Student Financial Services website. Course drops must take place according to the posted calendar days. If a student has not dropped a course by the specific date a tuition refund will not be issued. Please see the Student Financial Services website for Summer Session fees and refunds policies. 

Please see the Student Financial Services Website for Summer Session fees and tuition leave refund policies. Here you will find:

• Summer Session course fees and tuition leave refund policy details
• Summer Session meals and housing information 

Additional Summer Session Refund Notes

• All program-related costs not billed by Brown University are non-refundable. (i.e. travel, books etc.)
• For Pre-Baccalaureate students: Application fees and program deposits are non-refundable.

Summer Grants

Brown undergraduates who receive financial aid during the academic year may be eligible for a Summer Grant towards their Summer Session fees. Eligible students will be contacted by the Office of Financial aid in late February/early March with information about their eligibility.

Q: Who is eligible to enroll in a summer session undergraduate course? 

A: Currently enrolled Brown undergraduates. 

Current Brown Doctoral students may be eligible to enroll in Summer Session courses, pending instructor permission and Graduate School approval. Doctoral students who are approved to enroll in a Summer Session course will be responsible for paying tuition independently for that course. Master's students are not eligible to enroll in Winter Session courses. Please direct questions to the Graduate School graduate_dean@brown.edu 
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Eligible Brown staff who wish to take an undergraduate, advanced degree or work-related course should apply to the Employee Education Program (EEP) coordinated through the Benefits Office. Employees who wish to take Brown courses as degree candidates or who wish to take courses at an institution other than Brown should review the EEP FAQs to learn about applicable guidelines of the Employee Education Program and how to apply. If there are additional questions contacteducational_benefits@brown.edu and include “EEP” in the subject line.

Q: Can Brown graduate students enroll in an undergraduate language course to complete competency requirements? 

A: Yes. Brown graduate students who wish to enroll in an undergraduate language course to fulfill competency requirements must contact the Registrar's Office at registrar@brown.edu to register.

Q: Can I enroll in a Brown Summer Session course if I have already taken four Brown courses in previous Winter and Summer Sessions?

A: Effective 2025, Brown summer and winter courses DO earn enrollment units and can be used to satisfy the minimum 32 enrollment unit requirement. Students can earn a maximum of FOUR  credits from Summer/Winter Session to count toward the enrollment unit requirement. These credits do not, however, advance a students semester standing which is used for course registration timing/restrictions, housing, etc.

Q: How many courses may I take during Summer Session?

A: Due to the intensive nature of these courses, students may enroll in a maximum of two courses per Summer Session.

Q: If I receive a summer SPRINT Fellowship (e.g., an UTRA Fellowship), can I register for a Summer Session course?

A: No, unfortunately, the SPRINT Principles and Expectations do not permit enrolling in Summer Session courses if you are completing a summer fellowship.

Q: Will any academic support services be available during the Summer Session?

A: Academic support services from Academic Advising Deans, Curricular Resource Center and the Writing Center are available during Summer Session. Summer Session hours for the Curricular Resource Center will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Writing Center hours can be found here. Virtual appointments are available at each center. 

Q: Will I be charged for meals and housing if I enroll in Summer Session?

A: Summer Session on-campus meal plans and housing are not automatic or required for Brown students. Only students who request these options will be billed for them. Students who want an on-campus meal plan should make their request through Dining Services. Students who want on-campus housing should make their request through the Office of Residential Life as noted in their Summer Housing student communication, or by email to res_life@brown.edu.

Q: Is it possible to study off-campus during the Summer Session and transfer the credits?

A: If you are interested in off-campus study, always talk to a transfer dean to start planning. More information can be found at Brown's Study Away and Transfer Credit website. Specific questions can be sent to graduationplans@brown.edu.

Q: Is it possible to study at RISD Summer Session and transfer the credits?

A: Summer Session is not included in the Brown-RISD cross-registration agreement. Brown students interested in RISD summer courses need to follow the transfer credit rules and procedures. 

RISD students interested in cross-registering in Brown University courses should visit the RISD Registrar webpage for detailed instructions on the process.

Q: Can I audit a Summer Session course? 

A: Yes, a currently enrolled Brown student can audit a Summer Session course. Instructor permission is required and Summer Session tuition and fees apply. 

• Academic Calendar
• Brown Dining Website
• Office of Residential Life
• Student Financial Services
• Financial Aid Information

Summer Session extends the undergraduate curriculum into the summer months, providing faculty with an opportunity to innovate and experiment with new course content and pedagogical approaches. The program offers a broad range of courses across the disciplines, including high-demand and prerequisite courses, as well as unique offerings with broad appeal that are particularly well suited to the summer term.

All Summer Session courses must be approved by their academic department, Summer Session and the College Curriculum Council (CCC) for inclusion in the program. Faculty interested in proposing a new course may submit a proposal through the annual course proposal process, which is shared with faculty and staff each August. New course proposals are reviewed by the CCC and the academic department that will host the course, with instructors typically notified of the outcome during the fall semester.

Brown undergraduates and accelerated high school students are eligible to enroll in Summer Session courses offered both in person and online, creating an exciting opportunity for instructors to work with talented students while experimenting with new course content and pedagogical approaches.

The seven-week session provides an intensive learning experience that enables students to focus more deeply on their coursework than is often possible during the fall and spring semesters. Because students typically enroll in only one or two courses and have intentionally chosen to study during the summer, they are able to devote greater attention to a limited set of learning objectives. Students consistently report that the compressed format, small class sizes, accessibility of instructors, and fewer competing commitments create a highly engaging and rewarding academic experience.

The instructional staff of Summer Sessions consists primarily of Brown faculty, supplemented by faculty from partner institutions and Brown graduate students.

Fully Online courses must meet the following criteria, per the U.S. Department of Education’s guidelines for distance education issued in July 2021:

1. The syllabus should identify regular opportunities during the term for students to engage in two or more substantive interaction activities, initiated by instructors, drawn from this list:

• Direct instruction (e.g., synchronous Zoom lectures or discussions)
• Assessment with feedback that is provided by the course instructional team (e.g., papers, projects, tests, quizzes, or homework)
• Opportunities for students to ask questions (e.g., regularly scheduled office hours, invitation in a syllabus to email questions with noted response time)
• Group discussions (e.g., Canvas, synchronous)

2. The syllabus should identify at least one way that instructors are attuned to student participation and performance, and support is offered when needed. Although possible demonstrations could go beyond this list, common examples include:

• Participation in synchronous class sessions is detailed, including how a student might get midway feedback about their performance
• Student activity on course websites or materials is noted (e.g., weekly discussion posts), including how a student might get periodic feedback about their performance
• Instructors evaluate and give feedback on assignments and assessments
• For fully asynchronous courses, the syllabus would note a schedule where an instructor would check in with a student to discuss progress in the course

For more information and resources, please go to Sheridan Center for Teaching and Learning

Course development funds can be requested the first time a course is taught or when there are significant revisions to a course that was previously taught. These funds can help to support instructional needs of the course, for example, books, specialized software or translation of course specific materials. These funds do not support the compensation for TAs, as that is covered elsewhere. Request course development funds using this budget form.

The budget will be reviewed and approved by the Division for Pre-College and Undergraduate Programs (PCUG) after a course is approved by the College Curriculum Committee (CCC). It may be the case that some requested budget items are approved and others are not. Additional information may also be requested. Funds may not be distributed until the course is approved by CCC. Questions about course development funds can be directed to pcugcourses@brown.edu.

Faculty should connect with their Department Chair to secure approval to teach prior to submitting a course proposal. 

Course proposers with non-Faculty affiliations:

1. Brown exempt staff must have approval to teach from the Chair of the Department that will host the course and their supervisor prior to submitting a course proposal. They must also secure a faculty appointment with the relevant department in order to teach.
2. Postdoctoral appointees should first review the OUPA Outside Employment or Activities webpage (section “A Note About Activities at Brown, Including Teaching with Brown Pre-College Programs and Summer Session”), then must submit the OUPA Outside Employment or Activities Request Form and receive written approval from the cognizant Dean’s office prior to submitting a course proposal (this written approval must be included in the course proposal form). Please note: generally, teaching in Summer Session will require a reduction in postdoctoral effort through buyout for Postdoctoral Research Associates, and compensation for teaching must equal or exceed the salary associated with the effort being bought out.
3. Advanced graduate students must first review the policy on Activities Outside of Stipended Appointments and then secure approval from the Department Chair and their DGS prior to submitting a course proposal. Once the proposal is submitted, the Graduate School Dean’s office will review and determine eligibility. Please note: teaching in Summer Session requires an exemption from the policy on Activities Outside of Stipended Appointments and may require a reduction in summer stipend.
4. Transitioning from one status to another. In some cases, a postdoctoral appointee will transition to a faculty role or an advanced graduate student will transition to a postdoctoral appointment (section “Changes in Appointment, Funding, or Visa Status”) before or during the Summer Session course they are scheduled to teach. In cases where an appointment changes between roles at the University, the course proposer must secure the appropriate approvals of their new status 30 days prior to that status changing in order to teach.

Submit the Summer Session 2027 Proposal form

Beginning with Summer Session 2026, a minimum enrollment of 10 students is required for a course to be offered. For Summer Session 2027, any course with fewer than 10 students enrolled as of 5 p.m. ET on Thursday, May 20, 2027, will be canceled due to low enrollment.

Information about instructor compensation for Brown faculty teaching in Summer Session can be found at this link.

Compensation for Adjunct Faculty, Seasonal Non-Brown Staff and Brown Exempt Staff teaching in Summer Session 2027 is listed below. 

Compensation for Graduate Students teaching in Summer Session 2027 is listed below. Please note that it is unusual for a Graduate Student to be approved to teach several years in Summer Session.

Compensation for Postdoctoral Appointees will depend on the type of appointment and current salary. Postdoctoral appointees should first review the OUPA Outside Employment or Activities webpage, particularly the section “A Note About Activities at Brown, Including Teaching with Brown Pre-College Programs and Summer Session.” Please note that teaching in Summer Session will generally require a reduction in postdoctoral effort through a buyout for Postdoctoral Research Associates, and compensation for teaching must equal or exceed the salary associated with the postdoctoral effort being bought out.

The deadline for course proposals is September 25, 2026.